There lies a village 50 miles away from the capital city of the Naxos province. Clustered in the center of town are wooden buildings with thatched roofs. A small courthouse/jailhouse is the largest building. It sits at the focus of a circle clearing that houses the Markets every other day and twice on the week-ends.
Osmundus sips on his beer and watches for reactions.
At the crack of dawn, Aelia's eyes snap open. The guardswoman leaps up from her cot, then proceeds to slide on her armor. Snapping on her gladius and shield, Aelia heads into the barracks yard, and begins her training exercises.
The rising sun highlights the glistening sweat on Aelia's brow, and once the sundial hits XII, she slowly relents from the battered training dummy and heads inside to take orders from the local centurion.
♦EMPIRICAL COMMON KNOWLEDGE♦
The Attican Empire is a vast region bordered only by the great ocean that encompasses its west, south, and eastern coastlines, and the great divide to the north is made up of towering mountains. They stand thousands... some tens of thousands of feet tall. Completely cutting Attica off from the northern range of the continent, save for the very narrow and very treacherous pass near the center of the mountain range.
Ancient roads, laid down long before Attica, create the borders of the five provinces. The powerful roads provide great safety and speed to merchants' endeavors.
Naxos is the Provence of men . Even though the different races mingle, mostly with little trouble, there is a large amount of de fecto segregation from the separated cultures of old.
At the convergence of these provinces is the city/state of Attica. A most powerful city, where all government falls under leadership to. The Counsel guides all law which is watched over by the Emperor. Each province has a governor who watches over the mayors. The mayors look after each town, city, or large rural area. In social forums that are held in the honor of the people, citizens may contribute to how the Empire should respond to threats or modify laws. The mayors listen to the citizens and communicate to the governor who meets in council with the Emperor.
At the heart of the city of Attica is the massive tower of the Forum of Nethys. There, is where all arcane magic is monitored and governed. To study the arcane arts children are accepted at the age of 8 years. They then go through a process that directs them to one school of magic. . There is a head of each school called a Monitor. The head of each of each of the schools answers to the Grand Administrator, who answers to the council.
The Armed forces are organized so that the largest of the forces are under the council. Each governor and each mayor, though, has their own small assembly that is loyal to them, seperate fron the Attican army. Even some powerful aristocrats have their own militia.
Only citizens can hold offices of any status, join the militia, or be admitted to the Forum of Nethys.
Divine magic is held in high regards and is very common across the land. There is little to no visual signs to positive energy from divine magic. Arcane magic drapes the area in color, require intricate symbols, and strange and loud sounds. If someone who is not wearing the wizards garb is witnessed using arcane magic they immediately get placed under investigation and could be sentenced to capital punishment. Negative divine magic is still illegal.
Attica enjoys piece among it's people. There are sometimes poorly executed attacks from raiders and invaders that are short lived due to the superior Attican force. The non-citizens that contend with the class system are rarely given any notice, since there is much piece due to the union of the Attican arms. Non-citizens are not treated with the best respects, but they do enjoy laws that protect them.
♦WEATHER & SEASON♦
In the southern region of Naxos are rolling hills. This is where you live. The rain comes often, but just enough to keep the land green all year round and not enough to make it a gloomy place to live. However, winter has been a bit harsher than usual, most everyone is grateful that it is coming to an end.
♦HOME VILLAGE♦
You live in a village about 50 miles away from Gilsi, a major port city. The town of Cleman herds sheep and exports them. This is the major source of it's income. Population is about 1500. Very quiet and most people get along very well. A center market circle is very active and there are few who are living in poverty. Except for maybe some ex-criminals.
Lounging on a small bench on the side of the inn where he finds the acoustics particularly pleasing Maleius smiles to himself as he picks out a melody on his harp and sings a song about leaving the farm and finding a place in the grand city.
The world is large but we can make it small
if we don't raise our gaze beyond our own four walls
but to see the world you need not go far.And so I dream of Attica.
Aelia strides out of the barracks, looking... well, imposing, to say the least. She had just gotten assigned here, and considering the guards knew who Aelia was-or rather, what Aelia was-the guardswoman was fairly certain that she wouldn't have to go through the hazing ritual.
Fairly certain, anyways.
Hearing the tune, Osmundus heads out front.
The patrons inside would love some music, if I could temp you in for a pint.
Osmundus smiles a morning smile, and scans the sky for a moment.
Osmundus! Maelius stops playing with a smile. Just working on a little ditty. Don't know if it's good enough for anyone else to hear but I'd never say no to a drink
It's a new brew, an amber. Fairly light, a bit spicy. I'm just testing it out, looking for feedback.
Osmundus steps back in, and holds the door open.
'Morning, folks, I've bought us a song. Both it and the new brew are untested, opinions welcome!
The usual suspects in the public house cheer.
Nearly before midday it is the first brightly lit overcast day since all the rain that had washed away the snow.
The brew first I think Maelius grins. Prefer not to play to a sober crowd really.
Aelia walks out of the barracks, slightly bewildered. Apparently, the rookie assignment was "pub watch," in which an aspiring recruit had to watch the local rowdy pub, the Unconscious Unicorn, and put a stop to any barfights. Shrugging, Aelia makes her way towards the tavern. Even they were hazing her, the Spartan knew that she could not disobey a direct order from a superior.
Aelia makes her way towards the Unconscious Unicorn, just in time to see a local brewer offer drinks to the crowd-at noon. ...Perhaps it "pub watch" is an actual post, with everybody wanting to get drunk at noon.
The young Spartan awkwardly steps inside. The clank of her uniform is unmistakable, and a few turn their heads. Aelia awkwardly makes her way to a strategic corner, where she could survey the entire bar. Aelia was raised to fight, to spill blood. She did not really know how to have fun, or to really analyse a social situation. Still, the young woman watches, waiting for any disturbances...
Besh nods to Osmundus first, then to Maelius after he says "The brew first..." she takes a tap off the shelf and stabs it into the oak barrel he'd just rolled in, and lets out pint after pint as the orders come in. She takes the first one to Maelius, leaving the rest on the bar for the non-performing patrons to gather themselves. She pets Huey on the head as she returns to her place behind the bar.
She wipes the bar dry and listens to the conversations which fill the tavern of her parents' inn, and smiles.
Seraphina, wakes up bright and early, about a half-hour before sun-rise. Her mother had always taught her tending to people does not tell time, people need help all times of the day, morning or night.
While she may not love, the idea of getting up BEFORE, the butt crack of dawn; she did follow her mother's orders and demands. She had a very light breakfast, eggs and a small glass of fresh milk. She then went to pray to the goddess Sarenrae, in the sun room that let the morning sun in.
Seraphina, is average in her eyes, and very humble. She stands 5 foot, six inches tall with long brunette hair down to the mid of her back. Her hazel eyes, both show the innocence of a child, and the desire to soak in everything around her like a young adult would want.
After feeling the warmth of the sun on her face, she washed up quickly and donned her clothes. It was simple garb, a blue loose flowing dress with gold piping around the bottom, to represent her devotion to Sarenrae.
After she was prepared for the day, she went to her humble room, gather her few possessions; her wooden holy symbol of Sarenrae; her healer's kit; and a dagger. She headed out in search out those who may be in need, whether by physical or spiritual.
Around mid-day, she had gotten hungry, and decided to stop in at Osmundus tavern. He kept it clean, and free from drama. While he was an up-and-coming brewer, she didn't partake in the alcohol for the only alcohol she drank was the sacred wine on rare occasion.
Hello Osmundus, and Maelius. How are you gentleman doing today. I see you are working on a new tune Maelius, please always keep up the work, your songs lift the spirits of everyone. And Osmundus, keep experimenting with your brews, you never know when inspiration will strike. Sarenrae gives inspiration at the most unexpected times.
Now, on to more important matters, I am hungry and was wondering what you have on the menu for today my good sir.
Aelia's stomach was rumbling as well. "I would like some water and bread, please," she intones. Some of the occupants look at her, deadpanning. What kind of nutjob orders water at a bar?!
"Good day Sera," Besh greets the young daughter of the Dawnflower, "The menu, as always, is chicken, eggs, beans, water, milk, wine, and...beer." She says beer with a cheerful glance at Osmandus.
At Aelia's order, Besh tilts her head back to her older sister in the kitchen, "Bread and water for Aelia!" It was a shout for her, but little more than a slight raise of the voice compared with anyone else.
"Finally! Someone who isn't trying to get drunk before two!" Fijit sounded back, as she broke off a handful of bread from a fresh loaf and pumped some water from the duct into a tankard, and brought it out to Aelia, "Enjoy, love!"
KAAAABOOOOOM! A really loud explosion, unfamiliar to many, occurred out the front of the tavern. Many of the patrons in the tavern cower. They fear that it may be magics.
In a flash, Aelia's gladius and shield are in her hand. "What... was that?" she says tersely.
Maelius grins as he sees the new comers and weaves them into his song
Whether soldier, or healer, or brewer, or bard.
Or even innkeepers with eyes fixed afar.
as long as we look and yearn for the stars.We all dream of...
KAAAABOOOOOM!
Wha? Maelius jerks spilling his drink all over himself.
Seraphina looks at the menu and is just about to order when she hears a horrific sound from outside. She watches as Aelia, instinctually readies for battle. All her training seems to be paying off.
Seraphina avoids conflict and battle, she is no trained woman. She grabs her medic bag, put he other hand on her dagger and rushes towards a window to see what has happened.
Osmundus is quick to act, despite his age and girth (which really isn't too bad, after all) and is under the bar in a flash.
Whaaat the?!? Did anybody see...
Muttering softly...really need to scrub down here...
Seraphina sees a strange creature of the mystical woodland realm, sitting atop an animal she has never seen. A man cloaked in black with with a heavy metal and wooden box on his back. He stands just aside facing the burning stone of the town hall.
The Blurred Hearth faces east towards the town hall which is about 300 ft. away facing south. The man in black is at the back of the building. Sera can make out that there is a citizen laying helpless on the ground about 25 ft. away from the man cloaked in black. No one else is around or investigating. The strange man seams to be talking to the strange creature not worried about the fire or paying any attention to the helpless citizen.
Osmundus peers over the bar...Can anybody see anything?
After Sera sees what is going on, she silently and slowly moves back to the others.
There is some sort of creature out there. I have no idea what it is...possibly something from the forest, and there is an unconscious citizen in the middle of the road. I have to go help them, even if I risk myself.
Before anyone can stop here or convince her the act is foolish she rushes outside of the door of the Blurred Hearth Inn and rushes towards the downed person.
Osmundus swallows hard and heads to the door, to have a look.
Sera you idiot get back here. Maelius rushes out to chase her. He wants to drag her back before she gets out of the inn but as it's too late for that he follows her to the unconscious citizen.
Aelia steps outside with Sera. "It is my duty to protect the people of this town. I will come with you." With that, sword and shield at the ready, Aelia follows after the young clergywoman.
Seraphina had been Aelia's first friend when she came to town four days ago. Aelia was suffering from a major limp sustained while fighting a war ogre with her squad in the last skirmish, and the healer's couldn't afford to waste attention on non-life threatening wounds. When she came to the village, Aelia's wound was infected, and Seraphina had been kind enough to help. They had been friends ever since.
Osmundus takes a good look before setting one foot out of the door.
At the sound of the explosion, Besh instinctively ducks behind the bar, and grasps the gnome-sized Morningstar she's used to break up many a drunken brawl. When she hears there's someone collapsed outside, she feared it may be one of her beloved neighbors.
She looks back at Fijit, who nods to her in agreement that she should go with the others to check it out. Besh has to fight her survival instincts in order to go outside and see who the victim is, not to mention try to help. She tries to ignore the newcomers, not wanting to get involved with their business if she can help it.
"Can you lot pick her up? We've got an empty bed inside." She sounded a bit surprised at herself for suggesting it, but impatiently awaited answers from her companions all the same.
Osmundus recognizes the woodland creature as well as the animal.
The funny looking creature is about the size of a halfling sitting on a large cat of some sort. He has a bulbous face and wears a funny top hat. A tweed jacket and he sees the ones of you coming out of the inn. The Creature flees towards the woods.
The man, alerted by the jump of his woodland companion turns to face you. He steps towards you and as he gets close enough you can see he is wearing a mask. A white mask that covers his face. Little eye holes allow him to see, with two nose holes right next to each other. A tiny, strait line for a mouth is painted on. He stops and stairs at you. Then a light beams from the sky. A vibrant blue and white pillar slams down on the man. It lifts up and the man is gone.
Even though Maelius is terrified of all that's going on there's something sort of familiar about the person.
That man...
But Maelius is not sure what.
Keeping a wary eye on the cat and little man that are still there Maelius starts to help drag the injured civilian back in the direction of the inn.
The little man and the cat run off to the forest. Eventually disappear.
Besh stares up into the sky to where the masked man seems to have disappeared, and covers the victim from no one in particular as they bring them into the inn.
"Straight past the bar, first door on the left. I'll bring some water..." She trots to the bar, puts the Morningstar back, and floods a tankard with water, before hurrying back to the room.
Seraphina, grabs her kit, provided by the church. She opens it up and grabs some gauze and other items and begins to looks the citizen over for any serious wounds or internal damage.
She talks to the citizen, and tries to keep him awake and calm,
Hello, can you hear me? What is your name? Can you open your eyes and tell me your name please
Sarenrae, please don't claim this man to visit you, he has much left to do here
A...leprechaun? That's...a panther. Be careful!
Osmundus steps out, but keeps a close eye on the panther and its rider...mind boggled at what's going on.
...addressing the leprechaun...
Mayhaps you'd like a pint? I'm sure it's not like what could be brewed with the fey touch, but it's drinkable...
Being anxious, his attempt is clumsy.
Osmundus doesn't recognize the mask at all, either.
After Aelia helps bring the injured lady in, Seraphina quickly stops the bleeding and covers the burn, then she checks the pulse of the patient who is too weak to respond, but it pain responsive. Besh brings water and using a cloth, Seraphina dabs it on the patients lips. Checking over the patient rigorously, Seraphina sees her stabilize.
Osmundus and Maelius are still outside. They see Two very large guards in Naxos Armor approach the pub. Trailing behind them is a man in the gold and purple robes of a wizard from Attica. These are strangers to this small village.
Sirs, do come in. Would you like a brew?
Osmundus had watched the leprechaun take off, even as he was doing his best to defuse things. Maybe this time?
Again, his offer is clumsy, as it's obvious he's terrified.
Coming back outside after helping helped the injured lady to the room and bed that Besh had pointed to Maelius walks back outside to see the guards and wizard. Relieved he rushes to the guards.
Praesidio! Thank the Gods you're here. There was an attack! Getting close he whispers. There were lights and a masked man... I think it was magic
Besh stands anxiously in the corner, not wanting to leave in case Sera needs something else to help the victim.
Sera, tends to the woman's needs, doing her best to make her comfortable and in the best position possible. So wrapped up in her medical attention, she doesn't even notice the newcomers to the inn. It isn't until she looks to the corner, seeing Besh seem "on edge", she looks up and around and sees the newcomers, who she doesn't recognize.
I don't know who you two are, but if you interfere with my administration of aide, Sarenrae be damned that I will roll over and let it happen
"Who caused the Arcane magic?" The older man in armor calls out in the inn.
Besh, at Sera's words, turns to block the door as much as she can at her size, inwardly kicking herself for leaving the Morningstar behind the bar.
Maelius pulls Besh aside and whispers Do what they say. By the gods don't anger them. They are mage hunters!
Turning back to the one who spoke Mael says In the inn we did not see the magic, only heard it. When we looked we saw a man in a strange mask talking to a creature if the forest. The masked man then disappeared in a flash of light from the heavens.
Sera just glares at the man, but can't help but inwardly chuckle at the sight of the cutie-pie Besh trying her best to be formidable.
Well, there was a leprechaun here, sir...and...I think it comes natural to them.
Osmundus chews on his lip nervously.